Creamy Garlic Chicken is a rich, indulgent dish that combines succulent chicken breasts or thighs with a flavorful garlic cream sauce that’s sure to become a family favorite. The chicken is seasoned to perfection and seared until golden and crispy, while the sauce is a creamy, garlicky dream, complete with Parmesan cheese and a touch of Italian seasoning for depth of flavor. This dish is a perfect weeknight meal that’s quick to prepare yet feels incredibly luxurious, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

The creamy sauce is the star of this recipe, infusing the chicken with savory, garlicky goodness. With a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a mouthwatering meal that pairs beautifully with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or vegetables. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just looking for an easy yet delicious dinner, Creamy Garlic Chicken will never disappoint.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s so much to love about Creamy Garlic Chicken. First, the chicken is incredibly tender and juicy, thanks to the perfect seasoning and searing technique. The creamy sauce, made with garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, is rich and comforting without being overly heavy. The addition of Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (optional) adds a well-rounded flavor profile that is balanced and not too spicy.

This dish is a one-pan wonder, making cleanup a breeze. It’s also highly versatile—serve it with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner or a fancy weekend treat, this recipe checks all the boxes for flavor, ease, and satisfaction.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about 6 ounces each)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter

For the Sauce:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Variations

Add Vegetables: You can add vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for extra flavor and texture.
Spicy Version: If you like a little heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free Parmesan for a dairy-free version of this recipe.
Lighter Version: To lighten this dish, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or use a lighter cream alternative.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts (or thighs) with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 3: Add the Liquids

Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the broth to reduce slightly.

Step 4: Add Cream and Cheese

Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. If you like a spicier kick, add the red pepper flakes at this stage.

Step 5: Return the Chicken to the Skillet

Place the seared chicken back into the skillet with the sauce, spooning some sauce over the chicken. Let it simmer for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce and become even more tender.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is rich and creamy, garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy with rice, pasta, or your favorite side dishes.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Be sure not to overcook the chicken, as this can lead to dry meat. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F internally.
Cream Sauce Thickness: If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer for a few extra minutes to thicken. If it’s too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to thin it out.
Customize the Flavors: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste. More garlic, more cheese, or extra Italian herbs can all be added to enhance the flavor of the sauce.

How to Serve

Creamy Garlic Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with many side dishes. Serve it with mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or buttered pasta for a comforting meal. You can also serve it with a fresh side salad or roasted vegetables for a lighter option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Creamy Garlic Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place it in a pan over low heat and add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop.

Reheating

To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat. Add a little chicken broth or cream to help restore the sauce’s creaminess, and warm through until hot.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work perfectly for this recipe. They stay juicy and tender, especially when cooked in the creamy sauce.

2. Can I use a different type of cheese?

If you don’t have Parmesan, you can use other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago. They will give the sauce a similar flavor.

3. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free cheese alternative to make the dish dairy-free.

4. Can I use frozen chicken?

It’s best to use thawed chicken for this recipe to ensure even cooking. If using frozen chicken, make sure to thaw it before cooking.

5. How can I make this recipe spicier?

To make the dish spicier, increase the red pepper flakes or add a bit of cayenne pepper to the sauce for extra heat.

6. Can I use a different fat for cooking the chicken?

Yes, you can substitute olive oil with butter or even ghee for cooking the chicken.

7. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! You can add spinach, mushrooms, or even sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for extra flavor and texture.

8. How do I know when the chicken is done cooking?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F to be fully cooked.

9. Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

Yes, you can use half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce may not be as rich and creamy as with heavy cream.

10. How can I make this recipe for a larger crowd?

Simply double the ingredients and use a larger skillet or cook in batches. You can also use a larger pan to make a bigger quantity.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Chicken is a delicious, indulgent meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its tender, seasoned chicken and rich, garlicky cream sauce, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit with your family and friends. It’s easy to prepare, flavorful, and can be paired with a variety of side dishes to create a complete meal. Whether you’re cooking for a special dinner or a quick weeknight meal, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your rotation. So grab your ingredients, make this creamy delight, and enjoy every savory bite!